I recently discovered that a tactic to get things done that I have used for some time is actually a recognised way of managing procrastination. I had always thought it was an unwise way to function because it relies on the continuation my own bad habits, and may therefore encourage me to indulge in them, rather than overcome them.

However, since reading Structured Procrastination by John Perry, I am somewhat reassured that I am not alone in using my own procrastination to get things done. Let me explain.

The theory of structured procrastination is based on the fact that procrastinators rarely do nothing. What procrastinators do is they do things that are less important, in order to keep themselves busy and avoid doing the most important task on their list – the one they should be doing. Based on this knowledge, many procrastinators create an artificial (but plausible) ‘most important’ task. If we can convince ourselves that that task is the thing we should be doing, we can then do the remaining tasks on the list, ostensibly as a way of avoiding the top one.

I have used this technique for years, without knowing that it had been named. I can tidy when I am supposed to be writing; I can write when I am supposed to be making a phone call; I can do research when I am supposed to be tidying up… I am still not convinced that in the long-term it is a great strategy, because it encourages rather than discourages procrastination.

About this, Perry said:

The observant reader may feel at this point that structured procrastination requires a certain amount of self-deception, since one is in effect constantly perpetrating a pyramid scheme on oneself. Exactly. One needs to be able to recognize and commit oneself to tasks with inflated importance and unreal deadlines, while making oneself feel that they are important and urgent. This is not a problem, because virtually all procrastinators have excellent self-deceptive skills also. And what could be more noble than using one character flaw to offset the bad effects of another?

And while I still have some doubts about this as an overall strategy, as a means of actually getting things done it is undeniably effective and useful.

(Photo Credit: Rob and Stephanie Levy)

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Introduction to Time Management Problems for People who Work at Home

Time management can be tough for many people who work by themselves at home, because lacking the structure of normal workplace life, those who are self-employed can find themselves fighting procrastination and avoidance. Equally, those that work at home can find it hard to stop work at the end of the day. When the workplace is 10 seconds away at all times, giving yourself permission to genuinely relax and not do ‘just another 5 minutes’ may also turn out to be tough to stick to.

Conquering Procrastination and Maximizing Time Management

To be able to more effectively manage your time, and also stop procrastinating, you should be strict with yourself about the need to make genuine changes. Staying honest with yourself around the behaviours you are employing to procrastinate is a proven way to start to transform the habits you are stuck in.

In addition to being open with yourself about the WAYS you procrastinate, look in addition at THE KEY REASON WHY you procrastinate – are you a perfectionist and nervous of completing a project badly? Do you hate one element of your job and procrastinate endlessly? Are you bogged down by the amount that needs to be done and just don’t know where to begin? Be aware of the fact that the more you delay a certain aspect of your work, the more overwhelming and challenging it feels.

At times, simply making yourself get started is all that it requires. Don’t tell yourself that you need to complete the last 6 years income taxes, say to yourself that you only need to do the financial records for this particular week. Once you make a start, it already feels a great deal more feasible, and you will do last week’s as well, then the last month’s, and so on.

Even a modest amount of progress is going to make you feel less intimidated by the work that needs doing. You will become aware that you are more than capable of accomplishing it, and once you get started you will really feel more motivated and energized to keep going.

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